Article Type : Case Report
Authors : Kumar P and Fisser A
Keywords : BAP-1 tumour predisposition syndrome; Eosinophilic asthma; Inducible laryngeal obstruction; Vocal cord dysfunction; House dust mite allergy; Breathlessness; Type 2 inflammation; Fractional exhaled nitric oxide
BAP1
tumour predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) is a rare autosomal dominant cancer
susceptibility syndrome associated with multiple malignancies, including
mesothelioma and melanoma. Respiratory symptoms in affected patients may
therefore raise concern for thoracic malignancy, although alternative treatable
causes should be considered. A 17-year-old female with a pathogenic germline
BAP1 variant presented with a four-year history of exertional breathlessness
despite treatment for asthma. Chest radiography and high-resolution CT were
normal. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated preserved spirometry with mild
air trapping, while prominent glottic closure during testing raised suspicion
for inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was
markedly elevated (67.5 ppb), with significant house dust mite sensitisation
and elevated total IgE, supporting coexisting Type 2-high allergic asthma.
Treatment was escalated to ICS/LABA/LAMA therapy, together with allergen
avoidance, speech pathology assessment for ILO, and breathing retraining. This
case highlights the coexistence of allergic eosinophilic asthma and probable
ILO in a patient with BAP1-TPDS. Respiratory symptoms in this population should
not automatically be attributed to BAP1-associated malignancy. FeNO,
comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and assessment for ILO can help
identify treatable alternative causes of breathlessness.
The
BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) gene, located on chromosome 3p21.1, encodes a
ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase that functions as a tumour suppressor
protein involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, DNA damage response,
and cell death pathways [1]. Germline mutations in BAP1 are associated with the
BAP-1 tumour predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS), an autosomal dominant
condition characterized by an increased lifetime risk of multiple malignancies
including uveal melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, renal cell carcinoma,
mesothelioma, and other neoplasms [2,3]. The syndrome exhibits high penetrance,
with individuals carrying a pathogenic BAP1 variant having a significant
lifetime risk of developing these tumours [4]. Respiratory manifestations of
BAP1-TPDS are predominantly neoplastic, with mesothelioma being the most
commonly reported pulmonary malignancy in affected individuals [5]. However,
patients with BAP1-TPDS may present with respiratory symptoms that are
unrelated to their genetic predisposition, necessitating thorough diagnostic
evaluation to exclude both BAP-1-associated malignancies and alternative
pulmonary pathologies. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease
characterized by variable airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness,
and respiratory symptoms including wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness, and
cough [6]. Type 2 (T2) eosinophilic asthma is a specific phenotype driven by
T-helper 2 cell-mediated inflammation, characterized by elevated levels of
fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), peripheral eosinophilia, and elevated
immunoglobulin E (IgE) [7]. This phenotype typically responds well to inhaled
corticosteroids and biologic therapies targeting Type 2 inflammatory pathways
[8].
Fractional
exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive biomarker
of airway inflammation in asthma management [9]. Nitric oxide is produced by
airway epithelial cells via the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme,
which is upregulated by Type 2 inflammatory cytokines, particularly
interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 [10]. FeNO measurement provides a quantitative
assessment of eosinophilic airway inflammation and has been shown to predict
responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy, guide treatment decisions, and
monitor disease control [11,12]. An elevated FeNO level (>50 parts per
billion in adults and >35 parts per billion in children) is highly
suggestive of corticosteroid-responsive asthma and can be particularly useful in
patients without demonstrable bronchodilator reversibility [13]. Inducible
laryngeal obstruction (ILO), formerly known as vocal cord dysfunction, is a
condition characterized by inappropriate, transient, and reversible narrowing
of the larynx during respiration, resulting in dyspnoea, stridor, and a
sensation of throat tightness [14]. ILO frequently coexists with asthma and may
be misdiagnosed as poorly controlled asthma, contributing to diagnostic and
therapeutic challenges [15]. Dysfunctional breathing syndrome (DBS) encompasses
a spectrum of breathing pattern disorders characterized by abnormal breathing
mechanics, hyperventilation, and respiratory symptoms in the absence of
identifiable organic pathology [16]. DBS frequently coexists with asthma and
ILO, and may contribute to symptom persistence despite appropriate
pharmacological therapy [17]. We present the case of a 17-year-old female with
BAP1-TPDS who presented with chronic breathlessness, initially diagnosed as
asthma but found to have concurrent allergic eosinophilic asthma, inducible
laryngeal obstruction, and dysfunctional breathing. This case highlights the
diagnostic complexity in patients with genetic syndromes presenting with common
respiratory symptoms and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessment
in this population.
The
patient is a 17-year-old young woman who was referred to the respiratory clinic
for worsening breathlessness of approximately 4 years duration, during which
time she had been diagnosed with asthma. The diagnosis itself had surrounding
uncertainty due to the lack of confirmatory investigations such as pulmonary
function testing. She had been managed with Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
and salbutamol as required; however, she reported only mild symptomatic
improvement with these medications. Her breathlessness occurred throughout the
majority of the day, every day, and was worse with any physical activity. She
described the sensation as "not being able to take a deep satisfying
breath" and reported that she frequently had to consciously control her
breathing. A flight of stairs was sufficient exertion to result in significant
breathlessness requiring her to stop and recover. Interestingly, despite these
symptoms, she remained capable of participating in competitive sports without
major limitation, suggesting a discrepancy between her subjective symptom
severity and objective functional capacity. The discrepancy in her symptoms
suggested that the cause was unlikely to be explained by fixed pulmonary
pathology alone. She denied wheeze, nocturnal symptoms, chronic cough, sputum
production, chest pain, or symptomatic triggers related to weather, time of
day, or environmental exposures.
Her
family history was significant for the BAP-1 tumour pathogenic variant. The
patient, her mother, and two of her siblings are carriers of the variant.
Several family members have developed BAP-1-associated melanocytic tumours
(BAPomas). Her maternal grandfather developed mesenteric mesothelioma, and her
mother was previously diagnosed with meningioma. The patient herself had
undergone 10-12 dermatological skin excisions for lesions and was undergoing
MRI surveillance for a pituitary lesion found in early 2026. The family was
well aware of the increased lifetime risk of uveal melanoma, cutaneous
melanoma, renal malignancy, and mesothelioma. The patient was a never-smoker
with no significant environmental or occupational exposures. She was studying
full-time and was physically active, participating in competitive sports
without significant functional limitation. There was no history of anxiety or
depression, though she acknowledged that her breathing difficulties caused her
significant distress and frustration. On examination, she was a well-appearing
young woman in no acute distress. Vital signs were within normal limits, with
oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Respiratory examination revealed clear
breath sounds bilaterally with no wheeze, crackles, or prolonged expiration.
There was no evidence of digital clubbing, cyanosis, or peripheral oedema.
Cardiovascular and abdominal examinations were unremarkable. There was no
palpable lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly.
Imaging
studies
Initially, a plain chest radiograph (posteroanterior and lateral views) was performed and was found to be entirely normal. Further imaging studies included a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest, which was also normal. These investigations revealed no mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy, pleural thickening, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, pulmonary nodules, emphysema, or interstitial lung disease. The lung parenchyma was normal, and there was no radiological evidence of air trapping on expiratory imaging. These findings were reassuring for any structural disease or pulmonary manifestations of BAP-1 tumour predisposition syndrome. Abdominal ultrasound, performed as part of her BAP-1 surveillance, was also normal. The appearance of the liver, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, and both kidneys lacked evidence of masses or abnormalities. The pituitary lesion detected on MRI in early 2026 was stable and being managed conservatively with ongoing surveillance.
Diagnostic
Assessment
Pulmonary
function testing
Parameter
Pre-Bronchodilator Predicted (%) Post-Bronchodilator Predicted (%)
Interpretation
FEV? 3.43 L 98% 3.51 L 101% Normal
FVC 3.43 L 87% 3.58 L 91% Normal
FEV?/FVC
1.00 100% 0.98 98% Normal
FEF?????
3.21 L/s 85% 3.42 L/s 91% Normal
TLC
5.89 L 98% - - Normal
RV
2.17 L 146% - - Elevated
RV/TLC
37% 148% - - Mild physiological air trapping
DLCO
24.5 mL/min/mmHg 96% - - Normal
KCO
4.16 mL/min/mmHg/L 94% - - Normal; no interstitial lung disease
During
her spirometry manoeuvres, the respiratory scientist noted glottic closure and
significant difficulty in achieving prolonged expiration. This resulted in
submaximal FVC measurements. Objectively, this was highly suggestive of
inducible laryngeal obstruction (vocal cord dysfunction) and correlated
clinically with her description of difficulty with deep inspiration. Her
fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measured 67.5 parts per billion, which
indicated significant Type 2 eosinophilic airway inflammatory process and
strongly supported corticosteroid-responsive asthma, despite the absence of
bronchodilator reversibility.
Pathology
Haematology
and Biochemistry:
·
Full blood count: normal (haemoglobin 135
g/L, white cell counts 6.8 × 10?/L, platelets 285 × 10?/L)
·
Inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein
(CRP) 2.4 mg/L (within normal range)
·
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): 8
mm/h (within normal range)
Serum
Markers:
·
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE):
28 U/L (negative)
·
Rheumatoid factor: negative
·
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide
(anti-CCP) antibodies: negative
Autoimmune
Screen:
·
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): negative
·
Extractable nuclear antigens (ENA):
negative
·
Cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic
antibodies (C-ANCA): negative
·
Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic
antibodies (p-ANCA): negative
·
Complement C3: 0.788 g/L (reference range:
0.9-1.8 g/L) — low
·
Complement C4: 0.128 g/L (reference range:
0.1-0.4 g/L) — low
Allergy
Testing:
·
Total immunoglobulin E (IgE): 281 kIU/L
(reference range: <100 kIU/L) — elevated
·
Specific IgE to house dust mite
(Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus): 61.9 kU/L (Class V, >50 kU/L) — marked
sensitisation
·
Specific IgE to grass pollen: negative
·
Specific IgE to tree pollen: negative
·
Specific IgE to animal allergens (cat,
dog): negative
·
Specific IgE to moulds: negative
Differential
Diagnosis
Based
on the clinical presentation, investigations, and the patient's genetic
background, the following differential diagnoses were considered:
1. Allergic
Eosinophilic Asthma
This
was strongly supported by elevated FeNO (67.5 parts per billion) indicating
Type 2 airway inflammation, elevated total IgE (281 kIU/L), marked house dust
mite sensitisation (61.9 kU/L, Class V), and clinical response to inhaled
corticosteroids, albeit incomplete. The absence of bronchodilator reversibility
is not uncommon in well-controlled asthma or with suboptimal inhaler technique.
2. Inducible
Laryngeal Obstruction (Vocal Cord Dysfunction)
This
was supported by observation of glottic closure during spirometry, clinical
correlation with her description of difficulty with deep inspiration,
discrepancy between subjective symptom severity and objective functional
capacity, and symptoms not typically responsive to bronchodilators.
3. Dysfunctional
Breathing Syndrome
This
was considered due to mild physiological air trapping with preserved lung
function, breathlessness requiring conscious breathing control, symptoms
present throughout the majority of the day, and lack of typical asthma triggers
(wheeze, nocturnal symptoms, environmental triggers).
4. BAP-1
Tumour Predisposition Syndrome Without Pulmonary Involvement
This
was considered because of known pathogenic BAP-1 variant with multiple family
members affected, normal HRCT chest with no evidence of mesothelioma, pulmonary
nodules, or pleural disease, normal abdominal imaging with no evidence of renal
malignancy, and the patient's respiratory symptoms being unlikely to be
directly attributable to BAP-1-associated malignancy.
5. Complement-Mediated
Autoimmune Process
This
was considered due to low C3 and C4 levels in the absence of other autoimmune
markers and potential association with immune dysregulation in the context of
BAP-1 syndrome, though this has not been well-described in the literature.
6. Pituitary
Lesion-Related Endocrine Dysfunction
This
was considered due to known pituitary lesion found in early 2026 and potential
for hormonal influences on respiratory function and perception of
breathlessness. However, the lesion was stable and not associated with
endocrine dysfunction.
This
case highlights several important clinical considerations at the intersection
of genetic predisposition to malignancy and common respiratory disease. The
patient's presentation with chronic breathlessness, initially attributed to
asthma, ultimately revealed a more complex diagnostic picture requiring
comprehensive assessment.
BAP-1 Tumour
Predisposition Syndrome and Pulmonary Manifestations
The
BAP-1 tumour predisposition syndrome is a well-characterized autosomal dominant
condition associated with germline mutations in the BAP1 gene [2]. The syndrome
is associated with an increased lifetime risk of multiple malignancies,
including uveal melanoma (lifetime risk approximately 25%), cutaneous melanoma
(lifetime risk approximately 20%), renal cell carcinoma (lifetime risk
approximately 15%), and malignant mesothelioma (lifetime risk approximately
10%) [4,5]. Pulmonary manifestations of BAP1-TPDS are predominantly neoplastic,
with malignant mesothelioma being the most common and best-described thoracic
malignancy in affected individuals [5]. Other reported pulmonary neoplasms
include atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumours, lung adenocarcinoma, and sarcomatoid
carcinomas [18]. The diagnosis of BAP1-TPDS-associated mesothelioma typically
occurs at a younger age compared to sporadic mesothelioma, with a mean age at
diagnosis of approximately 50 years [5]. In this case, the patient's normal
HRCT chest was reassuring and excluded structural pulmonary pathology, pleural
disease, or pulmonary manifestations of BAP1-TPDS. However, the presence of
chronic respiratory symptoms in a patient with BAP1-TPDS necessitated a
thorough diagnostic evaluation to exclude BAP-1-associated malignancies and
identify alternative pathologies.
Allergic Eosinophilic
Asthma in the Context of BAP-1 Syndrome
The
patient's elevated FeNO (67.5 parts per billion) is a well-established
biomarker of Type 2 eosinophilic airway inflammation and predicts
responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy [11,12]. FeNO levels greater than 50
parts per billion in adults and greater than 35 parts per billion in children
are considered highly suggestive of eosinophilic airway inflammation and
corticosteroid-responsive asthma [13]. The patient's FeNO of 67.5 parts per
billion therefore provided strong evidence for allergic eosinophilic asthma.
The mechanism by which FeNO becomes elevated in Type 2 inflammation involves
the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in airway epithelial
cells by Type 2 cytokines, particularly interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, which
are produced by T-helper 2 cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells [10]. Nitric
oxide itself has diverse biological functions, including smooth muscle
relaxation, vasodilation, and antimicrobial activity, but its elevated levels
in asthmatic airways reflect the underlying inflammatory process [19].
Importantly, FeNO measurement is particularly useful in clinical scenarios
where diagnostic uncertainty exists, such as in patients without demonstrable
bronchodilator reversibility or those with atypical symptoms [20]. In this
case, the elevated FeNO provided objective evidence of
corticosteroid-responsive asthma that would otherwise have been missed based on
spirometry alone.
The
marked sensitisation to house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus) with specific IgE of
61.9 kU/L (Class V) further supported the diagnosis of allergic asthma. House
dust mite sensitisation is one of the most common aeroallergen triggers in
asthma and is associated with more severe disease, increased healthcare
utilisation, and reduced quality of life [21]. The elevated total IgE (281
kIU/L) was consistent with an atopic phenotype and supported the diagnosis of
allergic asthma. Interestingly, the patient did not demonstrate significant
bronchodilator reversibility on spirometry, which is a criterion for the
diagnosis of asthma according to some guidelines [6]. However, the absence of
bronchodilator reversibility does not exclude asthma, particularly in patients
who are already on inhaled corticosteroids or who have well-controlled disease
[22]. Furthermore, the presence of significant FeNO elevation and specific IgE
sensitisation provided sufficient evidence for the diagnosis of allergic
eosinophilic asthma, even in the absence of bronchodilator reversibility. The
relationship between BAP-1 syndrome and allergic asthma is not
well-established, and no direct pathogenic link has been identified. The
co-occurrence of BAP1-TPDS and allergic asthma in this case is likely
coincidental, though it is possible that immune dysregulation associated with
BAP-1 mutation may influence the development of allergic disease. Further
research would be needed to explore this potential association.
Inducible Laryngeal
Obstruction
The
observation of glottic closure during spirometry manoeuvres provided objective
evidence of inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO), a condition characterised by
inappropriate adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration or expiration,
resulting in airflow obstruction at the level of the larynx [14]. ILO is
frequently misdiagnosed as asthma and may coexist with asthma, contributing to
symptom persistence despite appropriate asthma therapy [15]. The patient's
clinical features were consistent with ILO, including sensation of difficulty
with deep inspiration, conscious control of breathing, discrepancy between
subjective symptom severity and objective functional capacity, absence of
wheeze or other typical asthma symptoms, and glottic closure observed during
spirometry. The prevalence of ILO in patients with asthma is estimated to be
10-20%, and the condition is more common in adolescent females, athletes, and
individuals with underlying psychological stress [23]. The patient's
demographic (young female, athlete) and clinical features were therefore
consistent with ILO.
The
pathophysiology of ILO involves inappropriate laryngeal adduction during
respiration, which may be triggered by various factors including exercise,
irritant exposure, emotional stress, or laryngeal hypersensitivity [24]. In
athletes, ILO may be particularly problematic as it can significantly impact
performance and is often misdiagnosed as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
[25]. The management of ILO includes speech therapy, respiratory retraining,
and psychological support [26]. Speech pathology intervention focuses on
identifying and modifying inappropriate laryngeal behaviours through techniques
such as respiratory retraining, laryngeal control exercises, and relaxation
strategies [27]. In this case, the patient was referred for speech pathology assessment
and respiratory physiotherapy for breathing retraining.
Dysfunctional
Breathing Syndrome
Dysfunctional
breathing syndrome (DBS) encompasses a spectrum of breathing pattern disorders
characterized by abnormal breathing mechanics, hyperventilation, and
respiratory symptoms in the absence of identifiable organic pathology [16]. DBS
frequently coexists with asthma and ILO and may contribute to symptom
persistence despite appropriate therapy [17]. The patient's breathlessness,
which required conscious breathing control and was present throughout the
majority of the day, was consistent with DBS. The mild physiological air
trapping observed on pulmonary function testing may have been related to
breathing pattern abnormalities rather than intrinsic airway disease. The
normal DLCO and KCO excluded interstitial lung disease and suggested that the
air trapping was likely physiological rather than pathological. The
pathophysiology of DBS is complex and may involve abnormal breathing patterns,
such as thoracic breathing, hyperventilation, and breath-holding, which can
lead to respiratory symptoms, anxiety, and functional impairment [28]. The
relationship between DBS and psychological factors is well-established, with
anxiety and stress frequently contributing to the development and maintenance
of abnormal breathing patterns [29]. The management of DBS includes breathing
retraining, relaxation techniques, and addressing any underlying psychological
factors [30]. The patient was referred for respiratory physiotherapy for
breathing retraining and education on diaphragmatic breathing techniques.
Complement Abnormalities
The
patient's low C3 (0.788 g/L) and C4 (0.128 g/L) levels were an incidental
finding that raised the question of complement-mediated disease. Low C3 and C4
levels can occur in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE), where complement activation leads to consumption of complement
components [31]. However, the patient's negative autoimmune screen (ANA, ENA,
ANCA) made SLE and other autoimmune conditions unlikely. Alternatively, low
complement levels may be due to inherited complement deficiencies, which are
associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disease and infection [32].
Complement component deficiencies are rare, and the clinical significance of
isolated low C3 and C4 levels in this patient is unclear.
Another
possibility is that the low complement levels represent complement consumption
associated with BAP-1-related immune dysregulation. The BAP-1 protein is
involved in the regulation of immune responses, and BAP-1 mutations have been
associated with altered immune function [33-37]. However, this association has
not been well-characterized and further investigation would be needed. Given
the patient's low C3 and C4 levels in the context of a negative autoimmune
screen and no clinical evidence of autoimmune disease, we recommended
rheumatology consultation for further evaluation. Monitoring of complement
levels over time and assessment for the development of autoimmune symptoms were
also recommended.
This
case has several important clinical implications:
· Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment in
BAP-1 Patients: Patients with BAP1-TPDS presenting with respiratory symptoms
require thorough diagnostic evaluation to exclude BAP-1-associated malignancies
and identify alternative pulmonary pathologies. This includes high-resolution
chest imaging, pulmonary function testing, and assessment for conditions such
as asthma, ILO, and DBS.
· Role of FeNO in Diagnostic Assessment:
FeNO measurement is a valuable tool in the assessment of breathlessness in
patients with suspected asthma. Elevated FeNO (>50 parts per billion)
predicts responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy and can guide treatment
decisions, particularly in patients without demonstrable bronchodilator
reversibility. The non-invasive nature of FeNO measurement and its ability to
provide real-time information about airway inflammation make it an attractive
diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
· Recognition of ILO and DBS: The
coexistence of asthma, ILO, and DBS is common and should be considered in
patients with persistent respiratory symptoms despite appropriate asthma
therapy. Observation of glottic closure during spirometry and the presence of
characteristic symptoms should prompt referral for speech therapy and
respiratory physiotherapy.
· Multidisciplinary Care: The management of
patients with BAP1-TPDS and complex respiratory symptoms requires a
multidisciplinary approach involving respiratory physicians, geneticists,
speech pathologists, respiratory physiotherapists, and psychologists.
Pharmacological
Management:
· Escalation of inhaler therapy to triple
therapy (LABA/LAMA/ICS) with reinforcement of inhaler technique and adherence
· Consideration of add-on therapy with
leukotriene receptor antagonists or macrolide antibiotics if symptom control
remains inadequate
· Potential for biologic therapy (anti-IgE,
anti-IL-5, or anti-IL-4/13) if Type 2 inflammation persists despite optimal
inhaled therapy
Non-Pharmacological
Management:
Strict
house dust mite avoidance measures:
·
Allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow
cover
·
Regular hot washing of bedding (?60°C)
·
Minimizing dust exposure through frequent
vacuuming with HEPA filters
·
Maintaining indoor humidity below 50%
·
Speech pathology assessment and therapy
for ILO
·
Respiratory physiotherapy for breathing
retraining
·
Consideration of regular intranasal
corticosteroids should upper airway allergic symptoms develop, with potential
for otolaryngologist collaboration
Surveillance:
·
Ongoing BAP-1 surveillance as per
established protocols
·
Monitoring of pituitary lesion with MRI as
per neurosurgical recommendations
·
Regular review of respiratory symptoms and
inhaler technique
·
Monitoring of complement levels and
assessment for autoimmune symptoms
This
case study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, as a
single case report, it may not reflect the spectrum of patient presentations
with similar genetic conditions or respiratory pathologies. Second, the
patient's symptoms and response to treatment have been described over a limited
period, and long-term outcomes are not available. Third, the patient's young
age and the presence of multiple comorbidities (BAP1-TPDS, allergic asthma,
ILO, DBS) make generalization to other patient populations difficult. Despite
these limitations, this case provides valuable insight into the diagnostic
evaluation and management of respiratory symptoms in patients with BAP1-TPDS.
The case highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment, the utility of
biomarkers such as FeNO, and the recognition of coexisting conditions such as
ILO and DBS.
Further research is
needed to:
·
Characterise the spectrum of respiratory
conditions in patients with BAP1-TPDS
·
Explore potential associations between
BAP-1 mutations and immune dysregulation
·
Evaluate the efficacy of targeted
therapies for allergic asthma in patients with BAP1-TPDS
·
Investigate the prevalence and clinical
significance of complement abnormalities in BAP1-TPDS
This
case demonstrates that respiratory symptoms in patients with BAP-1 tumour
predisposition syndrome may arise from common respiratory conditions such as
allergic eosinophilic asthma and inducible laryngeal obstruction, rather than
from BAP-1-associated malignancies. The elevated FeNO level provided crucial
diagnostic information, confirming Type 2 eosinophilic airway inflammation and
supporting corticosteroid-responsive asthma despite the absence of
bronchodilator reversibility. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating
comprehensive pulmonary function testing, FeNO measurement, and assessment for
inducible laryngeal obstruction is essential for accurate diagnosis and
management. The presence of low complement levels in this patient warrants
further investigation for potential autoimmune or complement-mediated
processes. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic
evaluation in patients with genetic syndromes presenting with respiratory
symptoms and provides a framework for the management of such patients.
· BAP-1 tumour predisposition syndrome is
associated with an increased risk of multiple malignancies, including
mesothelioma, renal carcinoma, and melanoma. However, respiratory symptoms in
affected patients may arise from common respiratory conditions unrelated to
their genetic predisposition.
· Comprehensive diagnostic assessment
including high-resolution chest imaging, pulmonary function testing, and FeNO
measurement is essential to exclude BAP-1-associated malignancies and identify
alternative pulmonary pathologies.
· Elevated FeNO (>50 parts per billion)
is a reliable biomarker of Type 2 eosinophilic airway inflammation and predicts
corticosteroid responsiveness. FeNO measurement is particularly useful in
patients without demonstrable bronchodilator reversibility and provides
objective evidence of airway inflammation that can guide treatment decisions.
· Inducible laryngeal obstruction (vocal
cord dysfunction) frequently coexists with asthma and should be suspected in
patients with persistent respiratory symptoms despite appropriate therapy,
particularly when associated with difficulty taking a deep breath and observed
glottic closure during spirometry.
· Dysfunctional breathing syndrome is a
common cause of persistent breathlessness and should be considered in patients
with breathing pattern abnormalities and preserved lung function. Breathing
retraining and physiotherapy are important components of management.
· Complement abnormalities may occur in
patients with BAP1-TPDS and warrant further investigation for autoimmune
conditions or complement deficiencies, though the clinical significance of
these findings is not well-established.
· Multidisciplinary care involving
respiratory physicians, geneticists, speech pathologists, and physiotherapists
is essential for optimal management of patients with complex respiratory
symptoms and genetic conditions.
Patient
Consent: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient and her
parent/guardian for the publication of this case report and any accompanying
images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the
Editor-in-Chief of this journal.
The
authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
No
specific funding was received for this work.
With
thanks to the patient for consenting to publication and the clinical team
involved in her care, including respiratory scientists, nursing staff, and
allied health professionals at Mater Hospital Mackay and Mackay Base Hospital.
· Pranav Kumar: Conceptualization of the
case report; clinical management of the patient; interpretation of
radiological, pathology, and microbiological findings; literature review;
manuscript preparation and critical revision.
· Ashley Fisser: Contributed to
interpretation of radiological findings, assisting with literature review,
clinical management, and writing of the case report, manuscript preparation and
critical revision.